The perimeter joint fire barrier is classified by its
fire-resistance rating - this is the duration for which a passive fire protection system can withstand a fire-resistance test, which is typically expressed in units of time, such as 30 minutes, 60 minutes, and 90 minutes, or 0.
Faades at times are required to have a
fire-resistance rating, for instance, if two buildings are very close together, to lower the likelihood of fire spreading from one building to another.
In addition, exit doors should be at all times operational and if they are interior exit doors, should not have any damage that compromises its
fire-resistance rating.
Building Code include a threefold increase in the requirements for fireproofing of steel structural members along with special inspections for application of these products, an increase in the
fire-resistance rating of structural components and systems, and the addition of redundant photoluminescent exit pathway markings in buildings over 75 feet in areas already required to have emergency lighting.
It requires that the various components of buildings 420 feet and higher (about 42 floors including floor and roof construction) have a minimum three-hour structural
fire-resistance rating, whether sprinklers are present or not.
What is the ideal
fire-resistance rating for buildings in the UAE?
The effect of this change is to require three-hour
fire-resistance ratings for columns, girders, and trusses (from the current two-hour rating), and an increase for shaft enclosure
fire-resistance rating from one to two hours.
Finally, the stone ballast is laid to prevent wind displacement and to provide a Class A
fire-resistance rating.
A reduction in the
fire-resistance rating of structural materials.
